Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children's behaviour shows they feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder. They separate willingly from their parents and, even when upset, they settle quickly. Children move confidently around the childminder's dedicated playroom and are quick to ask the childminder for help if they need it. Children show a developing love of language. They listen well to instructions from the childminder and regularly and eagerly repeat back new words that she introduces to them, such as 'shiny' and 'crane'. Children are learning to say please and thank you and to look after resources by tidying them away.

p.2

The provision is good

Children show focus and resilience in their play and, overall, spend sustained periods of time engaged in activities of their choosing. They work hard to build towers with blocks, carefully fitting the blocks together. When the tower falls over, children are not concerned but simply build it up again. As they play, children show a good understanding of colour and a developing ability to count. Children start to play imaginatively as they engage with toy vehicles. They use small figures to climb up the ladders on fire engines and call out 'nee-naw' as they drive the engines around. Children enjoy opportunities to develop early writing skills as they colour with crayons, showing pride in the marks they make.

p.2

need to do better?

n The childminder provides a curriculum that supports children's development, overall, across all seven areas of learning. She has a good understanding of the abilities and interests of the children in her care. The childminder regularly and accurately assesses children's progress and puts into place next steps for their development. However, on occasions, planned activities do not fully support children to build on what they already know and can do, to enable them to make the best progress in their learning. n Children have lots of opportunities to take part in activities that help them to meet and socialise with others. The childminder regularly takes them to the library, attends local toddler groups and meets up with other local childminders. n The childminder works in partnership with parents. She gains a good understanding of children's abilities and care needs before they start with her. The childminder provides timely ongoing support to parents to enable them to

p.2

need to do better?

help their children to develop. She supports children's independence by helping them to learn self-care skills, such as toileting and dressing. n Children take part in daily walks around the local village. They go with the childminder to collect older children from school and they visit local parks. The childminder helps children to start to learn to keep themselves safe when out of her home. She encourages them to hold onto the pushchair and to look for cars before crossing the road.

p.2

need to do better?

11 January 2023 n The childminder supports children to learn about healthy eating and regularly reminds them to have a drink of water. During mealtimes, she encourages children to eat the savoury part of their packed lunch before their fruit. Children wash their hands before mealtimes. n The childminder regularly seeks opportunities for children to develop mathematical understanding. She encourages them to count, helps them notice when things are big and small and starts to support children to learn the names of shapes. n Overall, the childminder engages well with children during their play. She introduces new vocabulary, encourages them to try things for themselves and provides them with new ideas. However, on occasions, the childminder disrupts children's focus with too many questions or by introducing new ideas that are not fully relevant. n Parents are complimentary about the childminder. They describe her as 'kind

p.2

need to do better?

and caring' and say that she provides an engaging environment for their children. Parents value the daily feedback the childminder provides to them and feel involved in their children's ongoing learning and development. n The childminder values professional development and regularly undertakes short training courses. However, she does not target her training to enable her to enhance her teaching and engagement skills to a higher level.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

The childminder has sufficient understanding of her role and responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect. She is aware of the signs and symptoms that might indicate a child is at risk of harm. The childminder knows the correct procedure to follow when reporting concerns and understands the importance of keeping timely and accurate records. The childminder is clear on the correct procedure to follow should an allegation be made about her or a family member. She undertakes regular child protection training.

p.3

should:

n refine the planning of targeted activities, so that they fully build on what children already know and can do n allow children time to respond to questions and make sure that ideas presented during activities are relevant and enhance learning n target professional development opportunities to enhance further teaching skills, so that engagements always support children's learning to the highest level.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 222138 Local authority Cambridgeshire Inspection number 10264766 Type of provision Childminder

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8 Date of previous inspection 26 June 2017

p.4

Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 1994 and lives in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire. She operates her provision all year round from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Thursday and from 8am until 4pm on Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in her evaluation of the provider. n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how she ensures they are safe and suitable. She spoke to the inspector about her intentions for children's learning. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector through written testimonials. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation. n The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

p.4

Inspection activities

11 January 2023 We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.4

Inspection activities

11 January 2023 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6